Norton Celebrates Full Launch of “Lunchtime Music on the Mall” Today at Noon
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) thanked the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority and the National Park Service for the full launch of "Lunchtime Music on the Mall," a program they sponsor in conjunction with Norton, beginning today from noon – 1:30 p.m. near the Smithsonian Metrorail station on the National Mall at 12th Street NW. Today's performers are Puro Gusto, a violin and cello duo performing classical, jazz, and Broadway numbers, whose members are D.C. residents. "Puro Gusto are particularly fitting performers for the full launch of Lunchtime Music on the Mall," Norton said. "The duo's versatility, range, and sheer talent will delight those who come out today, and will draw others to the mall on Tuesdays and Thursdays."
Lunchtime Music on the Mall aims not only to attract visitors, but to bring federal and other workers out of their office buildings during the lunch hour for a variety of music from the best amateur and professional performers from D.C. and the region every Tuesday and Thursday from noon to 1:30 p.m. Norton said that the Mall is a "uniquely wonderful space that virtually invites people to come, relax, and see the magnificent vistas," but she thinks the Mall is also a natural showcase. She said she is particularly pleased that the sponsors are launching Lunchtime Music on the Mall this summer, when many visitors might be deterred from visiting the Mall because of major repairs underway between 3rd and 7th streets NW. However, the rest of the Mall has been open and busy this season.
The Lunchtime Music on the Mall pre-launch in June was so successful that the sponsors, in cooperation with Norton, will bring performers to the Mall twice a week during the good weather months. On Tuesday, July 31, jazz flutist Latteta Theresa Brown will perform and Thursday, August 2 will feature D.C. acapella group The Light.
Published: July 26, 2012